Tactless Co-Workers?

I found this article in Career Builder...thought it was interesting.....
Tactless Co-Workers?
CareerBuilder.com
While most people avoid letting too much of their personal lives creep into their work, everyday office chit-chat, company parties and activities with clients ultimately offer co-workers a peek into that part of you that exists outside of the office.

But that doesn't mean your life has to be an open book. The fact is, some things just aren't anybody's business.

So how do you handle inappropriate or probing questions? Here are a few tips.

1. Brush them off with a quick, non-committal response. Most people will get the hint that you're not willing to dish and will back off if you give out little information and drop the subject. Q: Were you at the doctor yesterday? A: I took a personal day.

2. A witty comeback can make them realize they crossed the line. Shoot back a pithy quip. The sting of your sharp wit should deter future questions. Q: How much was your raise? A: That's kind of personal. What are you going to ask me next, how much I weigh?

3. Give 'em the old switcheroo. Turn the question right back on them. That robs them of the satisfaction of getting an answer out of you and puts them in the hotseat. Q: Alice, are you pregnant? A: Why do you ask, Mary, are you?

4. Sarcasm--your anti-snoop armor. A brief, acerbic response can make them realize the error of their inquest. Q: Wow. How do you feel after getting chewed out in that meeting? A: Wonderful. What do you think? (Best if delivered a la 'Napoleon Dynamite.')

5. The big hurt. Let them know how much their digging wounds you. Q: When are you two going to have kids? (Usually asked by the co-worker whose cube is over-adorned with countless pictures of her "adorable" children.) A: As soon as people realize how hurtful that question is.

6. Laugh it off. Dismissing their pervasive prying with a little chuckle is a polite way of ignoring their scrutiny without offending them or giving in to their probing inquiries. Q: Wow, how much did your fiancé pay for that engagement ring? A: Ha, ha, ha... (As you snicker, wave good-bye -- with your left hand, of course -- and exit the situation.)

7. Rude is as rude does. Sometimes a rude question demands a rude response. Q: How come your son's not going to college? (Says the boastful father of an Ivy League candidate.) A: You don't need to concern yourself with my child's education unless you want to pay for it.

8. Sometimes humor is the only avenue. Some questions are perennial favorites of the snoopy set. So having a canned response ready is your best option. Q: Your daughter is adopted? Where'd you get her? A: On sale in the baby department at Wal-Mart. (Laughter ensues.)

9. Give it to him straight. Sometimes the best response is the truth. Q: So, Barb. It's your anniversary tonight... I bet you and your husband are really going to have some fun tonight, heh, heh? A: That's really none of your business.

10. Put them on ice. At times, the most effective thing to do is simply give them the cold shoulder and ignore the question. This is a good way to avoid saying something you may later regret and sends a message that the question didn't deserve a response.

When Personal Questions Go Too Far Sometimes inquisitive minds can't take a hint and the inappropriate interrogations continue even after your attempts to thwart the onslaughts. The best way to deal with an overzealous prosecutor is to pull the person aside and let them know they're being rude and you will report the harassing behavior if it continues.

Re: Tactless Co-Workers?

Good tips! Thanks!

Re: Tactless Co-Workers?

I'm sure I will use every one of those, thank you!